News and events

Three years ago, Fahmida Sarker arrived in Oulu, a city she had only known through academic research and word-of-mouth in global public health circles. Drawn by the university of Oulu’s strong reputation in epidemiology and biomedical data science, she packed her bags and took a leap into the unknown

Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, beautiful, challenging, and transformational ones. For Priyanka Sood, that turn was love. It was her relationship with a man from Oulu that set her on a journey from India to Finland.

Meet Sheena Poh, an entrepreneur from Singapore who started her store "Salainen Sekatavarakauppa Söpö" to recreate the joy and wonders of her childhood. Read her story to know how a warm heart and creativity can become a beacon of happiness.

Let us introduce Mazhar - a master's student at the University of Oulu and a former Communications Trainee of the International House Oulu. In this story, Mazhar shares the highs and lows of adjusting to a new climate, learning a famously difficult language and navigating life as a family man from afar.

Hei! My name is Amanta and I am from Bangladesh. I moved to Oulu in October 2024 with my husband who is pursuing a master's degree in Epidemiology and Biomedical Data Science at the University of Oulu.

Francisco Carneiro, 30, has an intriguing journey that spans continents and industries. Originally from the Northeast of Brazil, Francisco pursued his education in business, completing his degrees in Finland.

Meet Musa Thompson, an entrepreneur and community development activist. Born and brought up in Nigeria, he has built a home in Oulu for himself and his family. We interviewed Musa to know more about his pursuit of Growth and Belonging.

Shakeel Mehmet's story about Oulu is an inspiring tale of how a chance encounter can lead to a life-changing decision.

Meet Michal Kovařčík, a 28-year-old Czech ice hockey player who has been playing for Oulun Kärpät since last autumn. We interviewed Michal to hear his thoughts about living in Oulu.

Khadija Akter, a 29-year-old from Bangladesh, shares her journey of adapting to life in Oulu, Finland. Through networking and participating in various events, Khadija has been building a new life and career in Oulu.

Ben Tardif is a 25-year-old Canadian playing for the Kärpät ice hockey team. Watch our video for Ben's inspiring story.

Meet Christian, an Ecuadorian software engineer, as he shares his experience of living, studying, and working in Oulu, Finland.